Too many people play at social networking and don’t really ‘get it’. Then they assert that ‘social networking’ doesn’t work – although the fault is not so much with the medium as with the way they used it.
There are many posts on this blog that can help social media novices – and also more experienced users. This time though I have summarised nine things you would be well advised to avoid doing on social media – if you want to have a chance of using it successfully for business purposes.
- Don’t make it all about you. Self promoting is a turn-off and will rarely attract new people to get to know you. And if they don’t know you they won’t refer work or other people to you.
- Don’t be in too much of a hurry to post things. If you post too fast and without thinking you may say something online you regret. Some people see Google as a history book. Everything we have ever said or will ever post on line will be there and capable of being found for ever.
- Don’t keep telling us about what you’re eating. This was a mistake some users made in the past. Don’t perpetuate it
- Keep your messages varied. Don’t keep repeating or reposting the same messages.
- Keep your messages focused and specific so that you STANDOUT (in a positive way).
- No spam. ‘Need I say more?
- Don’t try to use more than the odd hashtag until you are sure you really understand how these work. Rank amateurs really standout – and for the wrong reasons!
- Keep your posts honest, decent and truthful.
- In summary – don’t be stupid. Apply common sense to all you say and all you do online.
